Bedbugs in Your Rental?
Know Your Tenant Rights in California
A bed bug infestation can quickly disrupt your life—and in California, tenants have strong legal rights when landlords fail to address the problem. Whether you’re dealing with itchy bites, emotional stress, or forced displacement, Tenant Law Group is here to help renters across California hold negligent landlords accountable.
What Are Bed Bugs—and Where Do They Hide?
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on blood, usually at night. They are reddish-brown and about a quarter-inch long and hide in cracks and crevices near where humans and pets sleep or rest.
Common bed bug hiding spots include:
● Mattresses and box springs.
● Bed frames and headboards.
● Sofas, chairs, dressers, and nightstands.
● Alarm clocks, outlets, and electronic devices.
● Baseboards, window frames, and wall voids.
They can be found not only in homes but also in hotels, hospitals, public transportation, and long-term care facilities.
Look for these
signs of infestation:
Bed bugs are not just a nuisance—they can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, secondary infections, and serious psychological distress.
● Live bed bugs or shed skins.
● Tiny dark stains or rusty spots on sheets or furniture.
● Itchy, red bites on your skin (may take up to 14 days to appear).
● Disrupted sleep or emotional stress.
What Are My Legal Rights as a Tenant When It Comes to Bed Bugs?
In California, landlords are legally responsible for ensuring rental units are habitable under Civil Code § 1941.1. This includes protecting tenants from health hazards like bed bug infestations.
If your landlord fails to keep the unit habitable, they are violating the law, and you may have a legal claim.
California’s Bed Bug Law: Civil Code §§ 1954.600–1954.605
In addition to habitability laws, California has specific laws that apply when bed bugs are involved:
Landlords must provide written information to tenants about bed bugs—including what they look like, how they behave, and tips to prevent infestations. This must be given to new tenants before they move in, and to existing tenants as soon as possible. Cal. Civ. Code § 1954.603
Landlords can enter your unit to inspect or treat bed bugs—but only if they follow the legal rules for giving notice. They must let you know in advance and can only enter during certain hours, unless it’s an emergency. Civil Code § 1954.604.
Landlords must inform you of the results of any bedbug inspection A landlord must, within two business days, provide the results in writing of any findings by a pest control operation inspecting for bedbugs Cal. Civ. Code § 1954.605
Tenants also have responsibilities: You must cooperate with inspections and treatments. This means following instructions from the pest control company and not bringing in furniture or items that could be infested. Cal. Civ. Code § 1954.604(b)
Can You Sue a Landlord for Bed Bugs?
Yes. If a landlord ignores or mishandles a bed bug infestation after being notified, you may be able to sue for damages. Inadequate response often leads to worsened infestations, health issues, and forced displacement.
What Damages Can Tenants Potentially Recover?
If you’ve suffered because of a bed bug infestation, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- ● Loss of use of rent-controlled housing (rent differential).
- ● Refund of rent paid after landlord knew of the infestation.
- ● Hotel and relocation expenses.
- ● Medical costs for physical or psychological harm.
- ● Lost wages.
- ● Destroyed personal property (clothing, bedding, furniture).
- ● Statutory penalties for retaliation.
- ● Pain and suffering.
What Should I Do If I Have Bed Bugs?
● Notify your landlord immediately in writing (email, letter, or text).
● Cooperate with pest control treatment—follow all prep instructions.
● Document everything: communications, photos, receipts, and symptoms. Need help? Check out our guide on collecting evidence to support your case.
● Avoid removing infested items or transferring them to a new unit before professional inspection.
● Store or dispose of infested materials properly, per PCO guidance.
● Contact a tenant rights attorney to understand your legal options.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation and your landlord has ignored the problem—or if you’ve suffered injuries, been forced out of your home, or lost a rent-controlled unit because of it—you may have a legal claim.
Tenant Law Group is here to protect your rights. We’ve helped tenants across California hold negligent landlords accountable and recover financial compensation for the harm they’ve endured.
Don’t wait. Contact us today to find out how we can help you fight back and get the justice you deserve.
Where Can I Get Legal Help as a Tenant in California?
If you’re a California tenant and Tenant Law Group is unable to represent you, the following legal aid and advocacy organizations can assist.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about landlord-tenant laws in California and is not intended as legal advice. We encourage you to consult with a qualified tenant attorney or local tenant advocacy organization for guidance specific to your situation.
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